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Events / Re: Link to past presentations broke?
« on: May 30, 2017, 06:47:19 PM »
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2
Events / Link to past presentations broke?
« on: May 30, 2017, 11:37:39 AM »
I was just lookng to listen to some of last years presentation now that lawnmowing season is back into high gear. Problem is I do not appear to be able to find a valid location for them.
I tried https://www.homebrewcon.org/schedule/past-presentations/ However, it brings me here: https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/resources/conference-seminars/ and when I login, I get: The requested URL /wp-content/themes/aha2016/includes/proc_login.php was not found on this server.
Thanks!
I tried https://www.homebrewcon.org/schedule/past-presentations/ However, it brings me here: https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/resources/conference-seminars/ and when I login, I get: The requested URL /wp-content/themes/aha2016/includes/proc_login.php was not found on this server.
Thanks!
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Kegging and Bottling / Re: Quick fix for leaky poppits?
« on: June 03, 2016, 10:33:21 AM »Release the pressure and leave the PRV open while you remove the post and replace the poppet?+1
Otherwise, each time you disconnect, move the poppit with a screwdriver, or other "poking stick" to position the poppit to seal. If the leak is on the gas side, spray starsan over the poppit when you think it is sealed and see if there are bubbles. If the leak is on the beer-out side, the foutain of beer will let you know if you need to keep going.
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Events / Re: beer glass lanyards
« on: June 03, 2016, 02:02:32 AM »
In Grand Rapids, I think the badge holder issued was a cup holder too... if not, then they were in the grab bag you get when you check in...
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Equipment and Software / Re: GFCI Outlets
« on: June 02, 2016, 11:48:56 AM »Quote
Good point. It would be a perfect storm if all three kicked on at the same time, but very unlikely. To feel more confident I should probably look at the surge rating for those freezers. They're both pretty new, which makes a big difference. My parents have a 30 year old freezer that I swear dims the lights in their house when the compressor kicks in.
Correct, most newer devices (fridge, saws, dehumidifiers... etc) have capacitors and other electronics on them to reduce the inrush at startup of motors. Without going into a long boring explination... Electronics such as TVs and computers are very sensitive to surges and inrushes on the power grid, and consumer electronics has evolved to support demand. So, indeed, if you have a 30 or 40 year old refrigerator, it may not be as kind to the power grid as a modern one. However, even most newer GFCI's have evolved to better cope with this. (The fridge tripping the GFCI was a real thing back when they first became "standard", but this is largely a thing of the past now)
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Equipment and Software / Re: Brewometer
« on: May 16, 2016, 01:33:13 PM »I decided not to purchase. It turns out to record gravity and temperature trends you need to place and leave a Bluetooth enabled device (smartphone, tablet) in range of the Brewometer. I don't have a spare device to leave next to my fermenter.
Indeed. That can be a difference maker, however, I like the direction they went with placing the data in your control.
I contributed to the Brewmometor kickstarter, and when that did not make its goal, I bought a BeerBug. I am glad to see the concept is still moving forward and nearing fruition.
I like my beer bug, and think it works pretty darn well. I like the abilty to track my brews remotely on my phone while I am at work, but in some cases, I am uneasy about the the ability of the device to continue to function if the company decides to go a different direction. (i.e. the beer bug company needs to be around to give you access to your data)
The Brewmometor, while requireing a device to be in range, is kind of a big thing in my book, because it gives you the data in YOUR CLOUD. I feel better about being in control of the data, and having in a google spreadsheet... that means I can manipulate the data and possibly add it to my brew logs on my own. The extra step of finding a spare tablet or old phone... or even picking up a base model Kindle Fire... not too bad a compromise to get the data in my own control! (I would really like it if they had a PC based app, since I have a computer close by my brewery already)
That being said... I like the Brewbug features and logging it provides, and their support in asnwering questions has been wonderful. What they do to make the data points available and the methods they display them (graphs, choose the resolution and how many points...) are spot on for what I would do with a more "open source" data logger (like the brewmometor).
I would love to hear futher feedback/updates on the Brewmometor from users!
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Homebrew Competitions / Re: 2016 NHC
« on: May 03, 2016, 11:31:11 AM »The checklist scoresheet doesn't allow for a lot of comments, local competitions are better for lots of feedback
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Indeed. The checklist is not very verbose, however, I like the checklist. Most good judges will write in something if the checklist does not adequately list what they are tasting... but I think the check boxes give just as much of an indication of what the taster was experiencing as the hand written paragraph. I also like that it creates a more consistent feedback method... making sure all the same aspects of the beer are analyzed every time.
I think the only thing that is missing in some cases, (in the check sheet) is a good means of communicating how a beer misses the style. (I am thinking specifically about sour beers styles and other non-mainstream styles. I had a couple sour beers that were good (very drinkable was the comment)... but missed the mark on style a bit, and (fortunately) the judges were kind enough to put three or four words in to state how it missed. That is perfect for figuring out how to brew the next one!
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Homebrew Competitions / Re: Remaining NHC sites
« on: April 14, 2016, 11:18:14 AM »[/quote]
so judging in philly happened this past weekend (april 8-10). when can we expect results to be posted? how many days has it taken other locations to complete the process?
Jim is right, the turn around so far has been pretty darn fast... about a week. However, so far this year, I think there has only been one or two competitions to verify each week. This week, there are a lot more competitions to verify. I think there were 4 competitions to verify... compared to one or two the past few weeks... so it may take a tad longer due to the increased volume of paper to sift through this week!
However, I am constantly impressed by how well orgainized this competition is, and how hard everyone works to get the results out to us hopefuls!
Here's to hoping they contiue to far exceede expectations!
(and save some wear and tear on the web pages refresh button) 9
Kegging and Bottling / Re: Growing the kegging empire
« on: March 24, 2016, 01:41:51 AM »
I have dual regulators, and a manfold off one of the regulators. Been that way for 5 years... and I keep adding onto the manifold. (the other regulator has been adjusted so that all lines are the same pressure)
The big thing is that, if you have different pressures, you will need different hose lengths to get a good pour.
In the end, I just have not seen the value of having two regulators on the same CO2 tank.
I thought I would value the ability to tweak individual kegs to different pressurs... but that has just not been something I have seen value in.
The manifold... however, as I said, I have expanded in my fridge. I recommend having individual shutoffs for each line. It makes isolating gas leaks much easier, and you can isolate your lines if you need to do line maintenance.
Enjoy!
The big thing is that, if you have different pressures, you will need different hose lengths to get a good pour.
In the end, I just have not seen the value of having two regulators on the same CO2 tank.
I thought I would value the ability to tweak individual kegs to different pressurs... but that has just not been something I have seen value in.
The manifold... however, as I said, I have expanded in my fridge. I recommend having individual shutoffs for each line. It makes isolating gas leaks much easier, and you can isolate your lines if you need to do line maintenance.
Enjoy!
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Equipment and Software / Re: Water Filter Question
« on: March 24, 2016, 01:30:16 AM »
If the concern in Brass... Isn't the spigot and hose connections Brass? Just thinking if there is a concern with the QD.... those are good things to change out too.
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Kegging and Bottling / Re: Favorite Bottles?
« on: March 22, 2016, 11:30:37 AM »
One of the few bottles I have kept on the display shelf.
Never would put my beer into green glass, but the bottle is truely unique!
Never would put my beer into green glass, but the bottle is truely unique!
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General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Oak Barrel situation
« on: March 22, 2016, 11:17:32 AM »
Looks like try filling and draining multiple times..
https://www.bluegrassbarrels.com/frequently-asked-barrel-aging-questions
My concern is if you sand the staves you will have to tighten the hoops, or they will never butt up to eachother again, or you could inadvertantly change their shape enough that they will no longer work correctly. I have not heard of any copperages sanding staves, they just wedge them together inside the hoops and then tap the hoops into place.
There is also something called "barrel wax". I have not used it, but it is reported to reduce oxidation by preventing gas exchange through the stave gaps.
Good luck!
https://www.bluegrassbarrels.com/frequently-asked-barrel-aging-questions
My concern is if you sand the staves you will have to tighten the hoops, or they will never butt up to eachother again, or you could inadvertantly change their shape enough that they will no longer work correctly. I have not heard of any copperages sanding staves, they just wedge them together inside the hoops and then tap the hoops into place.
There is also something called "barrel wax". I have not used it, but it is reported to reduce oxidation by preventing gas exchange through the stave gaps.
Good luck!
13
All Grain Brewing / Re: New Aluminum Brew Pot
« on: March 02, 2016, 01:47:48 AM »
I think the oil thing is more for conventional cooking. Not really desireable for brewing I dont think.
I never did this to my pots, and no known issues.
I woud clean it with soap and water. Possibly boil a pot of water just to make sure nothing from machining is left over in the flavor... and brew beer.
I never did this to my pots, and no known issues.
I woud clean it with soap and water. Possibly boil a pot of water just to make sure nothing from machining is left over in the flavor... and brew beer.
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Ingredients / Re: Clarity Ferm
« on: February 28, 2016, 05:29:06 PM »
I used it on my most recent Vienna Lager (it is the recipe that I brew consistently... and use as a barometer for new processes)
What I found in a sample of one is.... when I transfered from the bucket to the keg, I had essentially zero haze and stuff settleing out. (I usually have half of the first pull from the keg have some stuff in it.. then it is clear after that)
Taste wise, I found it be no different and no effect on mouth feel.
I picked up two or three more vials to try it on a few batches in a row and see what it does on a consistent basis.
Do I think it is worth 2 or 3 bucks a batch? Not really compared to Gelatin. Do I think it works with no noticeable effect. YES!
What I found in a sample of one is.... when I transfered from the bucket to the keg, I had essentially zero haze and stuff settleing out. (I usually have half of the first pull from the keg have some stuff in it.. then it is clear after that)
Taste wise, I found it be no different and no effect on mouth feel.
I picked up two or three more vials to try it on a few batches in a row and see what it does on a consistent basis.
Do I think it is worth 2 or 3 bucks a batch? Not really compared to Gelatin. Do I think it works with no noticeable effect. YES!
15
Homebrew Competitions / Re: bottles for NHC
« on: February 28, 2016, 02:21:03 PM »
I have sent in shorter bottles than the "standard" as long as the diameter is less than 2.75... you are good. As for Sam Adams, I have sent in entries to competitions in the early days that were Sam Adams with no issue... but cant recll if it was NHC or not.
In the end Sam Adams is likely ok.. but I would not send in one from any other brewery that had raised letters, as their limited distribution might make them "special".
That being said, I dont think competitin organizers are trying to exclude anyone over petty things, but keeping the size easy to put into cases, and not pushing the limits is always a good idea.
In the end Sam Adams is likely ok.. but I would not send in one from any other brewery that had raised letters, as their limited distribution might make them "special".
That being said, I dont think competitin organizers are trying to exclude anyone over petty things, but keeping the size easy to put into cases, and not pushing the limits is always a good idea.